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A draft of Revision G of MIL-STD-461 has not been released yet, but MET Labs has obtained information about proposed changes to the Military EMC test. As covered in this previous post, one of the primary changes is the incorporation of indirect lightning testing heavily leveraged off of Section 22 of RTCA/DO-160G. There is no lightning requirement in MIL-STD-461F, which was released in 2007.

There is one test that is very likely to be added to MIL-STD-461G: CS117

There are two additional tests that are being considered, but are much less likely to be included: RS106 & RS108

If an electronic device is powered by internal battery only and there is no provision for charging the battery while it is installed in the device, the conducted emissions and conducted immunity tests are not applicable. The radiated tests could still be performed. MET can quote the applicable tests for you. We would just need you to complete our Request for Quotation (RFQ) form: http://www.metlabs.com/Quote-Center.aspx

Per DO-160G section 2.8 Category of Tests and Declarations, For each environmental condition addressed in this document, the equipment supplier should select, from the categories defined within the particular sections, a category which best represents the most severe environment which the equipment is expected to be regularly exposed to during its service life.

In section 20, the categories designate the RF test levels and establish the EUT minimum RF immunity level. Category M, among other categories in section 20, provides test levels which directly relate to the high intensity radiated field (HIRF) external field environments for systems with highest criticality as specified in the HIRF regulations. Category S provides a minimum test level where aircraft effects from the external electromagnetic environment are minor and where interference free operation on the aircraft is desirable but not required. This category may also be representative of the internal EMI environment from aircraft equipment.

In section 21, category M is defined for equipment and interconnected wiring located in areas where apertures are electro-magnetically significant and not directly in view of radio receiver’s antenna. This category may be suitable for equipment and associated interconnecting wiring located in the passenger cabin or in the cockpit of a transport aircraft. Category S is not used in section 21.

MET recommends that any equipment supplier intending to sell parts for use on US aircraft should purchase DO-160, fully read it, and understand it. There are responsibilities for the supplier and responsibilities for the test lab. A successful test program requires both parties to have staff involved who have a thorough understanding of DO-160.

About MET Labs

MET Labs was established in 1959 and has become a global service leader for product approvals and regulatory certification of electrical products. In 1989, MET broke the UL monopoly for product safety testing and certification in the United States and is approved to certify products in over 200 UL standard categories. Today, MET is a global service leader for product approvals and regulatory certification of electrical products.

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About Eurofins | MET Labs

MET Laboratories, Inc was established in 1959 and has become a global service leader for product approvals and regulatory certification of electrical products in Baltimore, MD. In 1989, MET broke the UL monopoly for product safety testing and certification in the United States and is approved to certify products in over 200 UL standard categories. MET Labs is a service leader and trusted provider of product testing and regulatory certification of electrical products for leading brands and companies in the United States, Europe and worldwide. In 2018, MET joined the Eurofins Scientific network and has become a key component in Eurofins’ product testing portfolio.

About the MET Mark

The MET Mark for product safety is accepted throughout the United States & Canada and indicates compliance to federal regulations for safe use in the workplace. 30 years ago, MET became the first OSHA-recognized NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) in the United States. The NRTL mark is required under federal law for products used in workplaces in all 50 states. MET listed products are also sold in every major retail stores throughout the United States and Canada.